workbench

A workbench is a simple structure. Even the best of them don’t need much to be effective: sturdy legs and a solid top are the only absolutes. It helps if it's level too, but shims and sugar packets have long served man well in this regard. So why would any handyman worth his circular saw ever dream of buying one? Gladiator Garageworks believes they have the answer. We recently put their 48-inch bamboo-topped adjustable model ($500) together -- and to the test.

Anyone who has ever dabbled with woodworking knows that a strap clamp can be the extra set of hands you need, when you don’t want anybody else’s hands on your work. The only problem is, unless you’re crafting something bigger than a breadbox, the excess strap length can make your workbench a mess of nylon...